CBS Developing New STAR TREK TV Series

By George Marston, Newsarama Contributor November 2, 2015 07:48am ET

Credit: Paramount Pictures

Credit: Simon Pegg / Paramount Pictures

CBS is developing a new Star Trek series aimed to debut in January 2017. The premiere special will air on CBS, with all subsequent episodes available on the network's digital streaming service CBS All Access exclusively in the United States. CBS will distribute the show internationally through partner networks.

Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness co-writer Alex Kurtzman will serve as executive profucer for the new series, which will be based on new ideas and characters not tied directly to the recent movies.

“There is no better time to give Star Trek fans a new series than on the heels of the original show’s 50th anniversary celebration,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we’re excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately.”

CBS All Access already offers every episode of all previous Star Trek series on its streaming service, along with more than 7,500 other episodes including current season programming. CBS All Access costs $6 per month.

The new Star Trek series will not be directly related to the new film sequel Star Trek Beyond which hits theaters July 22, 2016.